30 Sep 2024
Many expats from all over the world relocate to the UK in hopes of making a better future for themselves. Either it is to earn and send money from the UK or get settled to have a family there. It can be difficult to navigate the UK immigration system, particularly in light of the recent changes to the laws governing visas. Immigrants who want to work, study, or settle in the UK must keep up with the latest regulations and standards to prevent any issues. Comprehending the novel prerequisites is imperative for a seamless shift and an efficacious visa application procedure.
The UK government has made a number of adjustments to visa laws in an effort to improve control over immigration and solve skills shortages in certain industries.
The UK New Immigration Rules in 2024 bring about a number of important adjustments for different types of visas. The wage criteria for the Spouse Visa increased to £29,000 on April 11, 2024, while the Skilled Worker Visa increased to £38,700 annually on April 4, 2024. International students, carer worker visa holders, and the healthcare industry are no longer allowed to bring spouses or kids into the UK. The 20% "going rate" compensation cut for shortage occupations has been eliminated, among other changes to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The annual Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) has also gone up to £1,035 from previous levels.
The income thresholds for the skilled worker visa, which is a highly sought-after path for professionals, have been adjusted. As per the latest modifications, candidates need to earn at least £26,200 annually or the "going rate" for their particular occupation, whichever is greater. This is a big chance for immigrants working in the healthcare or STEM disciplines, since these industries frequently pay well enough to meet the new standards. Furthermore, in high-demand industries, there are more efficient career paths for people with the necessary skills.
International students are impacted by yet another important adjustment. In particular, the government has imposed limits on post-study work choices for student visa holders. Requirements for international graduates to stay in the UK after graduating have become more stringent. The well-liked Graduate Route, which permits stays of up to two years (three years for PhD holders), will still open, however compliance will be closely monitored, and other limitations may be added in the future.
As their personal and professional circumstances change, migrants frequently wish to extend their stay or change visa types. For individuals requesting modifications or extensions, there are now stricter guidelines in place thanks to the new UK immigration laws.
The Family Visa is among the most impacted visa categories. More and more financial requirements now need to be met by migrants who want to bring family members to the UK. The revised financial thresholds must be demonstrated by applicants, and any supporting documentation may be subject to further scrutiny. With this modification, family reunification is still permitted while preventing financial strain on public services.
Adjustments have also been made to the transition from temporary visa categories to permanent residency. In addition to completing the "Life in the UK" exam and providing adequate financial independence, candidates seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR) under specific visa categories must now have lived in the UK continuously for five years. In addition, there are now stricter standards for English language ability, so applicants must prepare well.
For many skilled workers, getting a visa that can help them earn and make an online money transfer from the UK to their families is essential. In light of the new visa regulations, companies that sponsor foreign personnel must follow updated criteria. More oversight is now placed on sponsorship licenses to make sure businesses abide by all legal requirements. For immigrants, this means applying for jobs in the UK will be a more straightforward but challenging procedure.
As of April 11, 2024, first-time applicants for a spouse visa under the new immigration criteria for the UK must provide proof that their UK partner earns at least £29,000. Upward adjustments to £34,500 and subsequently £38,700 are anticipated. It is still unknown when the additional hikes will occur. The Spouse Visa minimum income criteria will no longer include a separate child element. Starting on April 11, 2024, you will require £88,500, instead of £62,500, if you are only depending on your cash savings to meet the financial requirements for a Spouse Visa.
No, people who currently hold a spouse or family visa and are pursuing an ILR after five years will not be affected by the anticipated increase in the minimum income requirement for spouse visa applicants.3. Furthermore, anyone who’s granted a fiancée visa before the change will not have to fulfil the increased income requirement in order to apply for a partner visa through the five-year partner route.
Yes, the new immigration regulations still include new entrant discounts. Those who apply for a skilled worker visa under the category of "new entrant" will still be entitled for a 30% wage discount. Starting on April 4, 2024, new hires must make at least £30,960 (down from £38,700) annually, which is 70% of the average wage for their field.
Before April 4, 2024, those who already possess a skilled worker visa will be eligible for a reduced minimum salary rise. You will now need to have a salary of at least £29,000 (up from £26,200 but below the new threshold of £38,700) or the current going rate for your occupation in order to apply for a visa extension, change employers, or settle in the UK.
Immigrants wondering if they would have enough salary savings to make a global money transfer, then fear not. A new Immigration Salary List (ISL) will take the place of the current Shortage Occupation List (SOL). By taking this action, the Home Office hopes to exert more control over the professions that have lower income requirements. It is anticipated that compared to the SOL, the ISL will have fewer SOC codes that qualify. There will still be a 20% reduction for occupations included in the ISL when compared to the general salary criterion. This means that instead of £38,700, where the threshold would ordinarily apply, this will now be either £23,200 or £30,960. Regretfully, the implementation of the ISL eliminates the prior 20% reduction to the going rate needs.
SOC 2010 will be phased out in favour of an updated version of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes (SOC 2020) used by the Home Office under the new immigration regulations. Various vocations are categorised and contrasted using the SOC coding system. A new edition of "Appendix Skilled Occupations" based on SOC 2020 will take its place.
Due to their lower skill level than RQF Level 3, certain SOC codes that are currently eligible for sponsorship will no longer be eligible as of April 4, 2024. Among them are auto salespeople, fashion stylists, nannies, and concierges. Current visa holders who work in one of these occupations are still eligible to seek for an extension, but they are unable to switch employers.
The UK's settlement requirements are aligned with the new 10-year long residence ILR rules. The revised 10-year residence ILR regulations for 2024 impose additional requirements on candidates. Before applying, they must have been exempt from immigration controls for at least a year, or they must have held their present visa for that long.
Regarding absences, the entire amount of absences in a 10-year period completed before April 11, 2024, cannot exceed 548 days, and any single absence prior to that date cannot exceed 184 days. The 548-day cap is lifted after April 11, 2024, but candidates still need to make sure they don't spend more than 180 days away from the UK in a single 12-month period. These revisions align the ten-year residence path with the UK's more general permanent settlement regulations.
The government's overall immigration control approach, which aims to balance migration levels with economic demands, is reflected in the new UK visa regulations. Whether coming to the UK to work, study, or bring family, migrants need to be aware of these developments. A successful visa application process depends on staying educated, and being aware of these new rules can help migrants choose more wisely when it comes to their applications.
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The updated salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa is £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for the applicant’s specific occupation, whichever is higher. This ensures that migrants in skilled positions are adequately compensated according to the sector’s standard.
Yes, international students can stay in the UK after graduation under the Graduate Route. This allows them to remain for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates), but the UK government is enforcing stricter compliance checks on post-study visas.
Migrants applying for a Family Visa must meet stricter financial requirements, providing evidence that they can support their family members without relying on public funds. The specific financial thresholds depend on the number of dependents and their relationship to the applicant.
To switch from a temporary visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain, applicants must have resided in the UK for five continuous years on eligible visa categories. They also need to pass the “Life in the UK” test, meet financial requirements, and prove their English language proficiency.
Employers who sponsor skilled workers must comply with updated sponsorship guidelines, including maintaining a valid sponsorship license and adhering to stricter monitoring. These changes ensure employers follow legal obligations when hiring migrants.
